Otways Biofest

29-30th October

The Otway Biofest was a fantastic event that showcased the diverse biodiversity of our beautiful Otways region. 

This event featured experts from various fields coming together to lead activities that allowed the community to observe and connect with a diverse range of plants and animals – including birds, frogs, plants, fungi, fish and other marine life who call the Otway region home.

Activities in our management zone included coastal walks led by our Education Activity Coordinator ‘Possum’ Pete. Pete guided community members into the rockpools and along the Barham Estuary, where a pool of incredible young short-finned eels at a life stage known as 'glass eels' were swimming around. During this life stage, the 'glass eels' look like just two eyes swimming around!

The story of short-finned eels residing along our coastline is amazing. Their journey starts on the northeast coast of Australia, having hatched in the Coral Sea and travelled down on the east Australian current, around Wilsons Promontory and along our coast until finally swimming into the Barham River.

In twenty years or so, as adults, they will make the same arduous journey north to mate, lay eggs, and then die. This is one of the world's greatest fish migrations and life cycles. Fascinating, right?